Portable projector system

ABSTRACT

An image projection system is provided that includes a portable projector, where the projector includes a light engine, and a projector housing having a closed configuration and an open configuration, where in the closed configuration the projector housing at least partially encloses the light engine, and in the open configuration the projector housing supports the light engine.

BACKGROUND

Image projection systems may be used to display a still or video image,or to enable the image to be viewed simultaneously by a large or smallaudience. Such projection systems have become increasingly popular,particularly where they are appropriately sized for use on a table topand may be easily carried by a user. There is, however, a continuingdemand for ever smaller devices that may be conveniently transported andstored. In particular, there is a demand for digital projectors that maybe no larger than a laptop computer, but that offer the performance of aconventional projector. Such a projector would not only offer increasedportability, but could be sized appropriately to fit in a case designedfor a laptop computer.

SUMMARY

An image projection system is provided that includes a portableprojector, where the projector includes a light engine, and a projectorhousing having a closed configuration and an open configuration. In theclosed configuration, the projector housing at least partially enclosesthe light engine, and in the open configuration, the projector housingsupports the light engine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a portable projector system according to an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a portable projector according to an embodiment of theinvention in a closed configuration.

FIG. 3 depicts the portable projector of FIG. 2 in an openconfiguration.

FIG. 4 is a partial cutaway side view of the portable projector of FIG.3.

FIG. 5 is a schematic depiction of the light engine of a portableprojector according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a semi-schematic depiction of a light engine in a compactstate, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a semi-schematic depiction of the light engine of FIG. 6 in anexpanded state.

FIG. 8 depicts a portable projector according to an alternativeembodiment of the invention in an open configuration.

FIG. 9 depicts a portable projector according to yet another alternativeembodiment of the invention in an open configuration.

FIG. 10 depicts a portable projector according to yet anotheralternative embodiment of the invention in an open configuration.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for a method of manufacturing a portableprojector, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for a method of using a portable projector,according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring initially to FIG. 1, an image projection system according toan embodiment of the present invention is shown at 10. Projection system10 may include a portable projector 12, adapted to produce an image 14on a display surface 16. Projector 12 may be associated with an imagedata source 18, depicted in FIG. 1 as a laptop computer. Projector 12thus may be configured to project an image 14 derived from the imagedata received from computer 18 onto display surface 16.

The projector may take the form of a digital projector, or anothersuitable projection device. Projector 12 may include a projector housing20 and a light engine housing 22 that includes a light engine. Theprojector housing may have a closed configuration, as shown in FIG. 2,and an open configuration, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. In its closedconfiguration, projector housing 20 at least partially encloses thelight engine housing (and therefore the light engine). In particular, asshown in FIG. 3, projector housing 20 is shown in the openconfiguration, in which a first portion 26 of the housing, and a secondportion 27 of the housing, form a clamshell that is pivotally connectedat hinges 28, such that rotating the pivotal connection, that is openingthe hinge, converts the closed configuration of the projector housing tothe open configuration of the projector housing. In the openconfiguration, first portion 26 and second portion 27 function as astand for the projector, and support the light engine housing in such amanner that the light engine is capable of projecting an image.

As shown in FIGS. 1–3, light engine housing 22 is supported by projectorhousing 20 at pivotal connection 29, so that the light engine housingdepends from the stand formed by first portion 26 and second portion 27.Projector 12 may include a projection lens 30, disposed for exampleadjacent the top of the light engine housing as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.The presence of pivotal connection 29 permits the light engine housingto be tilted in order to facilitate directing a projected image fromprojection lens 30 to the desired display surface. Light engine housing22 may also include one or more ports 31, that are configured for datacommunication or connection to a power supply.

As light engine 24 may produce significant amounts of heat duringoperation, the projector may include active or passive cooling for thelight engine. For example, the light engine housing 22 may incorporateone or more vents 32 that permit heat to escape. Such cooling may beassisted by the action of one or more cooling fans, or may rely uponconvective cooling. The projector may be configured so that opening theprojector housing, and thereby deploying the light engine, enhancescooling. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, opening the projector housingmay provide increased access to cooling vents 32, thereby enhancingcooling.

The light engine housing includes a light engine 24 that is typicallyconfigured to direct and transmit light to display surface 16. Forexample, as shown schematically in FIG. 5, light engine 24 may include alight source 32, infrared filter 34, a color modulator 36, a spatiallight modulator 38, and projection optics 40. Additionally, light engine24 may include additional optics, spatial light modulators, scanningmirrors, focusing devices, color-generation devices, controllers, etc.which may accommodate production of a multi-color image on the displaysurface. The images projected by the image projector may include stillimages or video images. Both still and video images will be referred toherein simply as projected images.

Light source 32 may include any suitable illumination source adapted tooptically address display surface 16. Light source 32 may include abroad spectrum light source, a full spectrum light source, or a whitelight source. Selected appropriate light sources may include one or moreof, among others, metal halide lamps, xenon lamps, halogen lamps,mercury vapor lamps, plasma lamps, incandescent lamps, light-emittingdiodes (LEDs), and laser diodes.

Color modulator 36 may be configured to receive multispectral lightgenerated by light source 12, and separate it into multiple bands basedon the wavelength of the light. That is, the broad spectrum light fromthe light source may be separated into multiple distinct beams of lightthat are physically separated in space, where each beam includes lightthat is part of a more narrow range of wavelengths than that produced bythe multispectral light source. Although many digital projectors may usea spinning color filter wheel to perform the color separation, a lessmechanically complex and lighter may involve either prisms or multipledichroic mirrors to effect the desired chromatic separation.

Spatial light modulator 38 may include any device or apparatusconfigured to receive the chromatically separated light from the colorlight modulator and form an image by selectively manipulating the light.For example, the image-forming element may include a transmissiveimage-forming element, such as a liquid crystal display panel (LCD),among others. Alternatively, the image-forming element may function as areflective image-forming element, such as digital micromirror device(DMD), a grating light valve (GLV), or liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS),among others.

The light engine may further include a processor 42 that is configuredto receive the image data from image data source 18 and to convert theimage data into the desired projected image. Processor 42 may be incommunication with a memory 44 that serves as temporary (or long term)storage of data such as calibration information, color information, andother data needed by processor 42 to operate projector 12.

The image data source 18 may be, without limitation, a personalcomputer, such as a notebook computer, a personal digital assistant, ora mainframe computer such as a file server. The data connection 45between the image data source and the projector processor may include ahardwire connection, or may be a wireless data connection. Where thedata connection is a hardwire connection, the hardwire connection may bea cable, in a local area network or a large area network. Alternatively,the data connection may include a wireless connection that utilizesmodulated radiation, typically an infrared or rf (radio frequency)signal. Alternatively, projector 12 may create the projected image fromimage data stored internally by the projector, for example, using memory44, so that connection to an external data source is unnecessary.Similarly, projector 12 may include a disk drive or other auxiliarymemory device, enabling image data to be received by processor 42directly.

The elements of light engine 24 may be constructed so as to minimize thesize and weight of the resulting projector. For example, rather thanemploying refractive optical elements, the light engine may employreflective optics, such as utilizing thin, front-surfaced mirrors asfocusing elements, rather than thick and heavy lenses. Alternatively,refractive optics may be utilized that are composed of relativelylight-weight polymers rather than glass or quartz, provided that thepolymer used exhibits the requisite optical properties.

Alternatively, or in addition to the use of light weight components, thelight engine itself may be constructed so as to exhibit two physicalconfigurations that correspond to a compact state and an expanded state.For example, as shown schematically in FIG. 6, a light engine 46 mayinclude a light source 48, reflective optical elements 50 and 52, andprojection optics 54, enclosed by a housing 56. In its compactconfiguration, light engine 46 is inoperative, as optical elements 50,52, and 54 are stored in an inappropriate position for image formationand projection. However when the light engine is deployed in itsexpanded state, as shown schematically in FIG. 7, the optical elementsmay be rotated into their appropriate positions to generate and/orproject the desired image, rendering the light engine operative. Itshould be understood that a variety of engineering solutions may existfor minimizing the size and weight of the light engine when in thecompact state that are compatible with the present disclosure.

The projectors described herein may be constructed so that the projectorhousing opens to form an upright stand, as shown in FIG. 3, from whichthe light engine housing depends. However, the projector may beconstructed so that the light engine housing remains connected to eitherthe first or second portion of the projector housing, or both, when theprojector housing is in its open configuration. This may be advantageouswhere the projector is constructed so that when the projector housing isin a closed configuration the light engine is stored in a compact state,and when the projector housing is in an open configuration the lightengine is deployed in its expanded state. Such a light engine may beinoperative in the compact state, and operative in the expanded state.

For example as shown in FIG. 8 a portable projector 58 may beconstructed so that the projector housing is coupled to the light enginehousing. Upon opening projector housing 60, an expansive force may beexerted upon the light engine housing 62, resulting in the deployment ofthe light engine in an expanded state. The expansion may principallyoccur in a space 64 between the projector housing and the light enginehousing 62. It should be appreciated that, as shown in FIG. 8, theprojection lens 68 of projector 58 may be disposed adjacent the bottomof the light engine housing, rather than adjacent the top of the lightengine housing.

Alternatively, the light engine housing may act as or be coupled to oneof the first and second portions of the projector housing such that,when the projector housing is in the open configuration, the lightengine housing is supported by one of the portions of the projectorhousing. For example, as shown in connection with projector 70 of FIG.9, the light engine housing 72 may remain coupled to a first projectorhousing portion 74 when a second projector housing portion 76 is pivotedto produce an open projector housing configuration. As shown in FIG. 9,opening the projector housing exposes a projection lens 77.

Alternatively, or in addition, the projector may be configured so thatthe projector may be horizontally disposed when in an operativeposition. For example, as shown in connection with projector 78 in FIG.10, where the projector housing is configured to support the lightengine substantially horizontally. As shown, opening projector housing80 may deploy a projection lens 82, thereby converting the light engineto an operative state. Projector 78 may be configured so that it isoperative in either an upright position (as shown for projector 70 inFIG. 9) or resting horizontally, as shown.

The projector housing is not required to include a first and a secondportion, but may include a single projector housing portion, or morethan two projector housing portions. For example, where the projectorhousing has a single projector housing portion, the projector housingmay be pivotally coupled to the light engine housing, such that when theprojector housing is in the open configuration, the light engine isdeployed. The light engine housing may be disposed horizontally, withthe projector housing rotating upward into an open configuration.Alternatively, the projector housing may function as one leg of asupport for the light engine, where the light engine housing forms thesecond leg of the support.

The portable projector described herein may be manufactured as set outin flowchart 90 of FIG. 11. The illustrated method includes providing alight engine at 92, providing a projector housing having a closedconfiguration and an open configuration at 94, and disposing the lightengine within the projector housing such that when the projector housingis in its open configuration the projector housing supports the lightengine in an operative state at 96.

It should be appreciated that the resulting portable projector iswell-suited for use in a method of forming a projector, as set out inflowchart 98 of FIG. 12. The illustrated method includes converting theprojector housing from its closed configuration to its openconfiguration at 100, and projecting an image using the light engine at102.

While various alternative embodiments and arrangements of a portableprojector, portable projector system, and method for forming a projectedimage have been shown and described above, it will be appreciated bythose of skill in the art that numerous other embodiments, arrangements,and modifications are possible and are within the scope of the presentdisclosure. Those skilled in the art thus will understand that manyvariations may be made therein without departing from the spirit andscope as defined in the following claims. The present description shouldbe understood to include all novel and non-obvious combinations ofelements described herein, and claims may be presented in this or alater application to any novel and non-obvious combination of theseelements. The foregoing embodiments are illustrative, and no singlefeature or element is essential to all possible combinations that may beclaimed in this or a later application. Where the claims recite “a” or“a first” element or the equivalent thereof, such claims should beunderstood to include incorporation of one or more such elements,neither requiring, nor excluding two or more such elements.

1. A portable projector, comprising a light engine; and a projectorhousing having a first portion and a second portion that are pivotallyconnected, the projector housing having a closed configuration and anopen configuration, wherein, in the closed configuration, the firstportion and second portion at least partially enclose the light engine,and in the open configuration, the projector is supported solely by thefirst portion and second portion in an upright orientation with thelight engine suspended from the projector housing so that it isconfigured to project an image onto a display surface outside theprojector housing.
 2. The portable projector of claim 1, wherein thelight engine has a compact state and an expanded state, and wherein, inthe closed configuration, the projector housing encloses the lightengine in its compact state, and in the open configuration, theprojector housing supports the light engine in its expanded state. 3.The portable projector of claim 2, wherein, the light engine isinoperative in its compact state, and operative in its expanded state.4. The portable projector of claim 3, wherein the light engine includesoptical components, and the optical components are configured so thatwhen the light engine is in its expanded state, the optical componentsare properly aligned and oriented for operation of the light engine. 5.The portable projector of claim 1, wherein the light engine includesreflective optics.
 6. The portable projector of claim 1, wherein thelight engine includes polymer refractive elements.
 7. The portableprojector of claim 1, wherein the light engine is at least partiallyenclosed by a light engine housing.
 8. The portable projector of claim7, wherein when the projector housing is in the open configuration, theprojector housing pivots at a top and opens at a bottom to form asupport for the light engine housing.
 9. The portable projector of claim8, wherein the support is an upright support, and the light enginehousing depends from the top of the projector housing.
 10. The portableprojector of claim 9, wherein the light engine housing pivotally dependsfrom the projector housing.
 11. The portable projector of claim 1,wherein the first and second portions of the projector housing arepivotally connected such that rotating the pivotal connection convertsthe closed configuration of the projector housing to the openconfiguration of the projector housing.
 12. The portable projector ofclaim 11, wherein conversion of the closed configuration of theprojector housing to the open configuration of the projector housingpermits the light engine to be converted from a compact state to anexpanded state.
 13. The portable projector of claim 11, wherein at leastone of the first and second portions of the projector housing remainscoupled to the light engine housing when the projector housing is in theopen configuration.
 14. The portable projector of claim 1, wherein theprojector housing includes a clamshell structure.
 15. The portableprojector of claim 1, wherein heat dissipation from the light enginehousing is enhanced when the projector housing is in the openconfiguration.
 16. The portable projector of claim 1, wherein theprojector housing is configured to support the light engine above asurface on which the projector housing is set.
 17. A portable projector,comprising a light engine having a compact state and an expanded state;a light engine housing that at least partially encloses the lightengine; and a projector housing that includes a clamshell structurehaving a closed configuration and an open upright configuration, whereinthe clamshell structure includes a first portion and second portion thatare pivotally connected such that rotation the pivotal connectionconverts the closed configuration of the projector housing to the openconfiguration of the projector housing; wherein conversion of the closedconfiguration of the projector housing to the open upright configurationof the projector housing deploys the light engine in its expanded stateso that the light engine depends from the projector housing, and whereinthe light engine is configured to project an image along an axis that isgenerally parallel to the axis of the pivotal connection.
 18. Theportable projector of claim 17, wherein the light engine includesprojection optics that are disposed adjecent the bottom of the lightengine housing in the open configuration.
 19. The portable projector ofclaim 17, where the light engine includes projection optics that aredisposed adjacent the top of the light engine housing in the openconfiguration.
 20. A portable projector, comprising a light enginehaving an inoperative compact state and an operative expanded state; anda projector housing having a closed configuration and an openconfiguration; wherein, conversion of the closed configuration of theprojector housing to the open configuration of the projector housingdeploys the light engine in its expanded operative state in a positionsuspended within the protector housing, so that the light engine isconfigured to project an image onto a display surface outside theprojector housing.
 21. The portable projector of claim 20, furthercomprising a light engine housing that at least partially encloses thelight engine.
 22. The portable projector of claim 21, wherein theprojector housing has a first portion that is pivotally connected to thelight engine housing, such that rotating the pivotal connection convertsthe closed configuration of the projector housing to the openconfiguration of the projector housing and deploys the light engine inits expanded operative state.
 23. The portable projector of claim 20,wherein the light engine includes optical components, and the opticalcomponents are configured so that when the light engine is in itsexpanded operative state, the optical components are properly alignedand oriented for operation of the light engine.
 24. The portableprojector of claim 20, wherein the light engine includes reflectiveoptics.
 25. The portable projector of claim 20, wherein the light engineincludes polymer refractive elements.
 26. A method of using a portableprojector, where the portable projector comprises a light engine; and aprojector housing having a first portion and a second portion that arepivotally connected, the projector housing having a closed configurationand an open configuration; wherein in the open configuration theprojector is supported solely by the first portion and second portion inan upright orientation with the light engine suspended downward from theprojector housing, the method comprising: converting the projectorhousing from its closed configuration to its open configuration; andprojecting an image onto a display surface outside the projector housingusing the light engine.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the lightengine has an enclosed state and an operative state, further comprisingdeploying the light engine in its operative state.
 28. The method ofclaim 26, where the light engine has a compact state and an expandedstate, the method further comprising converting the light engine fromthe compact state to the expanded state.
 29. The method of claim 26,further comprising associating the projector with a source of imagedata.
 30. The method of claim 29, further comprising receiving imagedata from an image data source that is an associated computer.
 31. Themethod of claim 30, where projecting an image includes projecting animage corresponding to the image data using the light engine.
 32. Themethod of claim 26, wherein the first portion and second portion arepivotally connected, and converting the projector housing from itsclosed configuration to its open configuration includes rotating thepivotal connection.
 33. A method of manufacturing a portable projector,comprising: providing a light engine; providing a projector housinghaving a first portion and a second portion that are pivotallyconnected, the projector housing having a closed configuration and anopen configuration; and disposing the light engine within the projectorhousing such that when the projector housing is in its openconfiguration the first and second portions solely support the lightengine in an operative state and in a position suspending downward fromthe projector housing so that it is configured to project an image ontoa display surface outside the projector housing. compact state and anexpanded state, and disposing the light engine within the projectorhousing includes configuring the light engine so that it is at leastpartially enclosed by the housing in its compact state.
 34. The methodof claim 33, wherein the light engine has a compact state and anexpanded state, and disposing the light engine within the projectorhousing includes configuring the light engine so that it is at leastpartially enclosed by the housing in its compact state.
 35. The methodof claim 33, wherein where the first and second housing portions areconfigured to form a clamshell structure that at least partiallyencloses the light engine in the closed configuration.
 36. The method ofclaim 33, wherein the light engine includes optical components, anddisposing the light engine within the projector housing includesconfiguring the optical components so that when the light engine is inthe deployed operative state, the optical components are aligned andoriented properly for projection of images.
 37. A projector system,comprising: a portable projector, including a light engine having acompact state and an expanded state, and a projector housing having aclamshell structure, the clamshell having a closed configuration and anopen configuration, wherein in the closed configuration the projectorhousing encloses the light engine, and in the open configuration theclamshell structure solely supports the light engine in an uprightorientation with the light engine suspended downward from the projectorhousing so that it is configured to project an image onto a displaysurface outside the projector housing.
 38. The portable projector ofclaim 37, wherein the light engine has a compact state and an expandedstate, and wherein in the closed configuration the projector housingencloses the light engine in its compact state, and in the openconfiguration the projector housing supports the light engine in itsexpanded state.
 39. The projector system of claim 37, further comprisingan associated source of image data.
 40. The projector system of claim37, further comprising a display surface outside the projector housing.41. A portable projector, comprising projection means; and housing meanshaving a closed configuration and an open configuration; wherein in theclosed configuration the housing means at least partially encloses theprojection means, and in the open configuration the housing meanssupports the projection means in an operative state suspending downwardwithin the housing means so that it is configured to project an imageonto a display surface outside the projector housing.